Building Basics
Moisture Barrier and Flashing: Kick-Out Flashing, Step Flashing, or Roof-Wall Water Deflector
What?
- Roofs are vulnerable to water leaks and damage where they intersect walls.
- Kick-out flashing is a critical component of modern homes and could impact the value of the home and the health of its occupants.
Why?
These flashings and deflectors help drain water away from high-risk areas where sitting water could cause structural damage and allow mold growth.
How?
- Apply some waterproofing where the bottom of the roof meets the exterior wall--at least 4 inches in every direction from its framing--as well as below the fascia. Blend the waterproofing into the housewrap using the correct overlaps.
- Apply waterproofing along the eaves and fold over its bottom 2 inches onto the fascia.
- Apply some more waterproofing to cover up the entire joint where the wall meets the roof; then, extend this waterproofing about 8 inches up the wall and onto the roof.
- Install roofing felt over the roof and run it up the wall at least high enough to where the head of the step flashing will be located. Put in a starting strip of roofing and place the kick-out flashing at the location of the initial piece of the step flashing. Verify that it hangs over the eaves enough so that water will be directed away from the wall and roof, safely into the gutter.
- Weave the step flashing in place, alternating as needed so that every piece of it lies over the lower one by a minimum of 2 inches. Make certain that the step flashing does not come out from under the shingles.
- Install one more strip of waterproofing on top of the step flashing, then cut a small slit in the kick-out flashing and leave a 2-inch space between the waterproofing and the roofing.
- Install the housewrap on the wall going from the bottom to the top, applying flashing tape to ensure smooth drainage. Be sure to overlap the lower courses of the housewrap under the upper ones and make a slit for the kick-out flashing.